Multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display

ABSTRACT

A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined by curvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stops thereon for stopping the products for viewing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/600,387, filed Jun. 20, 2003, entitled “MULTI-CHUTE GRAVITY FEEDDISPENSER DISPLAY”, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) toU.S. Provisional Application No. 60/404,648, filed Aug. 20, 2002, whichare both expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to dispenser racks and displays therefore,and more particularly, to a compact, easy to assemble, easy to load andunload multiple chute dispenser with an integrated display.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Gravity feed dispensers have been used in the product dispensingmarkets, i.e., grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience marts anddepartment stores, to provide on shelf storage, automatic rotation ofstock, easy access for customers. The principal of operation is quitesimple. The products are arranged on a rack which is inclined tohorizontal such that when a customer removes one product at an end of arow of products, the entire row of products indexes forward one locationequivalent to one product. Rollers are known to ease movement of theproduct.

One disadvantage of prior art gravity feed dispensers is that suchdevices are integrated into racks useful only for granting feedapplications. Prior art gravity feed dispensers are not designed to beused in connection with standard shelving already in place at theretailer. As a result, the retailer must invest in additionalspecialized racks in order to provide a gravity feed apparatus.

Another disadvantage of prior art gravity feed dispensers is that theymust be reloaded from the backside or topside thereof. As a result,gravity feed dispensers are usually not disposed in a back-to-backorientation. As a result, valuable floor space is wasted and the cost ofoperation is increased for the retailer.

Yet another disadvantage of prior art gravity feed dispensers is thecustomer's inability to return unwanted product. If a customer removes aproduct and then decides not to purchase, there is nowhere for thecustomer to replace the product in the gravity feed device. The row ofproduct is too heavy for the customer to push back in order to reinsertthe unwanted product. As a result, unwanted product is placed on shelvesin other portions of the store. Costs associated with reshelving theunwanted product are incurred by the retailer.

Thus, there remains a need in the art for a compact, easy to assemble,easy to load and reload multi-chute gravity feed dispenser having anintegrated display.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A set of panels having chutes therebetween. The chutes being defined bycurvilinear rails on such panels. The curvilinear rails having stopsthereon for stopping the products for viewing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a panel representing one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a an edge on view of a panel representing one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a display module and representingone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B shows the retention pin 60 disposed in a locked configurationrepresenting one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3C shows the retention pin 60 disposed in an unlocked configurationrepresenting one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a side view of a display module and representing oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a top view of a display module and representing oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4C is a front view of a display module and representing oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a front view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the access door and representing an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 5C is a rear view of the access door and representing an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 5D is a top view of the access door and representing an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 5E is a cut-away top view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6A is a side view of both a display module with a loading magazinein a loading position and representing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a side perspective view of a loading magazine showing thebottom side, porous side and the product ejection end, and representingan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6C is a side perspective view of a loading magazine showing the topside, non-porous side and the product non-ejection end, and representingan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6D shows the separated elongated ends of the paper overwrap of theloading magazine and representing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a relational front view of multiple attached panels in acollapsed position and representing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a relational side view of two attached panels in a collapsedposition and representing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of multiple attached panels in an expandedposition and representing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10A is a top view of a retention pin and representing an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 10B is a rear view of a retention pin and representing anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10C is a side view of a retention pin and representing anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11A is a top view of medially disposed retention pin andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11B is a rear view of medially disposed retention pin andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11C is a side view of a medially disposed retention pin andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a template indicating the advertising area available onaccess door and representing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13A shows an the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in acollapsed configuration disposed within a shipping box and representingan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13B shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in acollapsed configuration partially removed from the shipping box andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13C shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display in apartly expanded configuration and representing an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13D shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display disposedin an expanded configuration with the retention pins in a lockedposition;

FIG. 13E shows an the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display withthe access doors in the closed position with product decals applied andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14A shows the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display with acategory sign connected thereto and representing an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 14B shows product being loaded into the multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display and representing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14C shows an the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display filledwith product and ready for retail and representing an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 15 shows a plurality of multi-chute gravity feed dispenser displaysdisposed on a number of adjacently disposed conventional shelves andrepresenting an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a panel representing one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 17 is an edge on view of the panel of FIG. 16 representing oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the panel of FIGS. 16 and 17 representing oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a side view of a display member representing one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 20 is a side edge on view of a display member representing oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a close up view of a clamp section of a display member andrepresenting one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a side perspective view of a display member and representingone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 is a front edge on view of a display member representing oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24A is a front view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24B is a side view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24C is a rear view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24D is a top view of the access door and representing an embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 24E is a bottom view of the access door and representing anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of one of the panels of theembodiment of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified door assembly;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of a panel of yet another embodimentof this invention;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the reverse side of the panel ofFIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the panel of FIGS. 28 and 29;

FIG. 31 is an enlarge front elevational view of the panel of FIGS.28-30; and

FIG. 32 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the dual railfeature of the embodiment of FIGS. 28-31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a side and front view of the main element of themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display, a panel 10 which isgenerally formed as a vertical upright panel. The panel 10 is preferablyconfigured to be used in connection with conventional store shelving inplace at a retailer having a depth in the range of 18 to 24 inches. Inone embodiment of the invention the depth of the panel 10 is 20 inchesoverall and the height is 14 inches overall. It will be recognized bythose of skill in the art that the embodiments discussed herein areconfigured to be adapted to conventional shelving. However, changes inscale or any dimension cited herein are within the scope of the presentinvention and may be adjusted based on any requirements for anapplication.

The panel 10 includes at least one set of rails 20 which are formed asribs extending normal to a side 12 of the panel 10 to cooperativelydefine a plurality of chutes 22, 24 for product which have aboustrophedonic or C-shaped configuration. A first rail 26 is disposedin the generally medial portion of the side 12 inclined to thehorizontal, angled generally downwardly, and having a linearconfiguration. The second rail 28 is disposed about the first rail 26and has a curvilinear configuration which is substantially C-shaped. Thefirst and second rails 26 and 28 each having a minimum incline to thehorizontal such that product is capable of continuous movement alongsuch rails in response to a normal gravitational force, and where asshown in FIG. 1., can be a substantially slight angle. A first producttravel stop or stop 30 is formed at a lowest extent of the second rail28 as an enlarged portion thereof. The first stop 30 engages the productto prevent unwanted further movement down chute 22 and positions theproduct for viewing and selection by a customer. A third rail 32 has acurvilinear configuration which is substantially L-shaped and has asecond stop 34, formed as an enlarged portion thereof at a lower endadjacent first stop 30, and prevents further downward motion down chute24. For structural rigidity and to provide visibility to the productpositioned on first and second rails 26 and 28, cut out portions 18 orholes are formed along on panel 10 along the chutes described below. Thecut out portions 18 also allow one to determine the quantity andcontents of such chutes thus facilitating inventory control of theproducts stored therein.

At least one set of positioning elements 36 are formed on the side 12 asraised protrusions having a height normal to the side 12 less than therails 26, 28 and 32. Each positioning element 38, 40 has a curvilinearconfiguration which is substantially C-shaped. The first positioningelement 38 is disposed between the first and second rails 26, 28. Thesecond positioning element 40 is disposed between the second and thirdrails 28, 32.

A plurality of bosses 42, 44, 46 and 48 are formed at each corner of thepanel 10, and when used, provide greater rigidity to the multi-chutegravity feed dispenser display. Each has at least one aperture or bore49 defined therein and a lock 50 associated with each bore 49. The lockmechanism or lock 50 is defined in the boss 42, 44, 46, 48 where aportion of an outer wall of the boss 42, 44, 46, 48 is removed to form areceptacle. The operation and function of the lock 50 will be describedin more detail below. An additional boss 52 is formed in a generallymedial position adjacent an end of the first rail 26. At least one bore49 is defined therein. However, this boss does not include a lock.

An aperture 54 is formed in the panel 10 disposed between the secondpositioning element 40 and an upper boss 44 for positioning an accessdoor as will be discussed in detail below. A plurality of feet 56 areformed on the side 12 and extend from the third rail 32 to the lowerportion edge of the panel 10 in order to provide stability to the panel10. Each foot 56 extends normal to the side 12 in the same manner as therails 26, 28 and 32 to the same extent.

FIG. 3A shows a pair of panels, a display module 16, in accordance withthe embodiment described in detail above, connected by a pair ofretention pins to define a dispenser module 16, one or more suchdispenser modules 16 making up a multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay. The chutes 22, 24 are defined between adjacent pairs of panels10 and are of a width slightly greater than the width of products 90 andwhich allow the products to be stored and dispensed therefrom. Theretention pins 60 engage the bores 49 defined in the bosses 42, 44 tomaintain the panels 10 at a preselected spacing. Another retention pin(medially disposed 62) engages adjacent bosses 52 and is configuredslightly different than the retention pin 60 as will be described indetail below. Additional retention pins 60 may be connected to the bores49 in bosses 46, 48 for further rigidity and stabilization of themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display. With all retention pins 60in place between adjacent pairs of panels 10, such panels 10 aremaintained substantially parallel to one another. Other embodiments mayuse more and/or less number of retention pins 60 and 62 as needed toprovide sufficient support and structural integrity for the displaymodule 16.

FIG. 3C shows a highlighted portion of FIG. 3A in detail. Retention pin60 is shown disposed in an unlocked position partially removed from boss44. It will be noted by those of ordinary skill in the art thatretention pin 60 is disposed such that the panel 10 may rotate relativeto the retention pin 60. Here, retention pin 60 is allowed to rotatewithin bore 49. This allows adjacent panels 10 to remain connected(engaged horizontally) when disposed offset to one another in acollapsed orientation as will be discussed in detail below.

FIG. 3B shows the retention pin 60 disposed in a locked configuration.This orientation is achieved by moving the retention pin 60 from theunlocked position shown in FIG. 3C into engagement with the lock 50formed in each boss 44. It will be recognized by those of skill in theart that the same procedure applies for each retention pin 60 associatedwith a boss 42, 44, 46, 48 which has a lock 50. The lock 50 as describedin detail above, essentially prevents rotation of the retention pin 60relative to the panel 10. Here, retention pin 60 is not allowed torotate within bore 49 due to lock 50. As a result, adjacent panels 10are operatively connected (engaged both horizontally and vertically)such that they are relatively immovable, or fixedly positioned, withrespect to one another so that unintended movement is restricted.

An access door 70 is connected to the medially disposed retention pin 62and is movable relative thereto as described in detail below.

FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C show the side, top and front views of themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display as described in FIGS. 3A, 3Band 3C. The panels 10 are preferably made from high impact styreneplastic. However, it will be recognized by those of skill in the artthat any other suitable material of construction may be used that alsoprovides a sufficiently low enough coefficient of friction to facilitatethe movement of products within the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay. Further, the panels 10 are preferably injection molded. Again,it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that any othersuitable manufacturing technique may be used. The retention pins 60 and62 are preferably made from stainless steel. However, it will berecognized by those of skill in the art that other materials ofcomparable strength and corrosion resistant properties may be used. Oneparticular advantage of the present invention is the use of thereplaceable retention pins. In the event that one of the retention pinsbreaks, it can be easily replaced. However, more likely, is that a panel10 would break, and being replaceable/removable, the retention pins 60and 62 could be removed from such panel 10, the panel can they beremoved from among its adjacent panels, and a new panel 10 may beinserted in the same position and then have the retention pins 60 and 62replaced and connected to the newly inserted panel 10. In either case,disassembly of the entire dispenser display is not required. Further,the dispenser display may be expanded to include as many additionalpanels as desired and shown in FIGS. 3A-C and 4A-C. In addition,although the embodiment shown in such figures utilize retention pins 60and 62 having a particular length, other embodiments use retention pinshaving different lengths for the purpose of accommodating products thathave a different height, (i.e., the height of a cylindrical article),than the height described herein regarding product 90. As such,different embodiments using different length retention pins 60 and 62,and that still use the panels 10 described herein, are able toaccommodate products having different dimensions.

FIGS. 5A-D show various different views of the access door 70. Theaccess door 70 includes a front face 72, a rear face 73, a handle 74, aclip 76, a pair of resilient arms 78 and a pair of alignment arms 80.The front face 72 is configured as slightly curved to present a pleasingappearance and increased surface area for advertising display purposes,such as alphanumeric and graphic indicia advertising the productstherein. The handle 74 is disposed at the top of the access door 70opposite the clip 76 and enables a user to easily move the access doorfrom a closed position (access closing relation) to an open position(access opening relation) through an arc of at least 90 degrees.Preferably, the access door 70 is moved from a generally verticalorientation in the closed position to a orientation in the open positionwhich is at least horizontal and preferably several degrees pasthorizontal. Other embodiments allow for the complete or partial removalof access door 70. The resilient arms 78 include an enlarged nub 82which engages the aperture formed in the side 12 as discussed above withregard to FIGS. 1 and 2. The nub 82 provides a secondary connection forthe access door to the panel 10. The clip 76 is the primary connectionto adjacent panels 10. The clip 76 engages medially disposed retentionpin 62 and moves relative thereto. Alignment arms 80 engage adjacentpanels 10 when necessary in order to maintain the access door properlydisposed between adjacent panels 10.

FIG. 6A shows the dispenser module 16 described in FIGS. 3A-3 and 4A-Cwith one panel 10 removed. The product 90 is loaded into the chutes 22,24. The product 90 is shown as being of cylindrical form, and in thisembodiment, represents cans of consumer goods. Other embodiments use aproduct 90 in a cylindrical form, but in the form of a jar, includingglass, plastic or other typical jar materials. Yet additionalembodiments use products 90 of a variety of other shapes or packagingdesigns, otherwise capable of being received by chutes 22 and 24.Further, the product 90 loaded into the different chutes 22 and 24 maybe of a different design, whether external or internal. An externaldesign difference could be size, shape, or material (i.e., glass jars orcans). An internal design difference may be different contents, such asdifferent types of soup or different types of food. Chute 22 is acircuitous, serpentine path which is shorter than chute 24. As a result,more product 90 may be disposed in chute 24 than chute 22. However,other embodiments provide chutes 22 and 24 which such curvilinearstructures that both chutes have the same length and are capable ofcontaining the same amount of product 90.

When the supply of product 90 has been sufficiently depleted from chutes22 and 24, new product 92 must be added. One advantage of the presentinvention is that additional new product 92 may be added to themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display from the front. This isaccomplished by moving the access door 70 from the closed position tothe open position. It will be noted by those of skill in the art thatthe access door 70 has been removed from FIG. 6A for clarity purposes.Once the access door 70 has been opened a sleeve or loading magazine 100is used to refresh the supply of product 90 in the multi-chute gravityfeed dispenser display through its loading end, where the loading endincludes the upper extents or portions of chutes 22 and 24, and wheresuch upper extents of such chutes 22 and 24 represent a separate lowerand upper loading port, respectively.

Further, the new products 92 are arranged in the loading magazine 100such that two parallel rows (dual rows) are formed where an upper rowtraverses, or lies across, a lower row. Further, as shown, the newproducts 92 are arranged in pairs of upper and lower new products 92within such dual rows with an upper new product lying across or on topof a lower new product. However, other embodiments use loading magazines100 that have more or less rows of new product 92. Typically, althoughnot required, the number of rows of new product 92 in loading magazine100 is equal to the corresponding number of chutes in a dispenser module16. Further, most embodiments of loading magazine 100 contain at leasttwo new product 92 units in each of the rows contained therein. As such,and as shown in FIG. 6A, a loading magazine would typically consist ofat least four new products 92, (two rows by two deep), but, as shown,actually consists of twelve, (two rows by six deep). Further, otherembodiments contain multiple rows of new products 92 where thequantities per row for different rows are not equal. In addition, someembodiments contain rows of new products 92 that have different externaland/or internal qualities, for example, some contain different sizeproducts in different rows, or different types of internal contents indifferent rows.

When loaded, the new product 92 simply rolls into the chute 22 or 24whichever is empty and available. It will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that the positioning elements 38 and 40 engage the endfaces of the product 90 at point locations to center the product 90between adjacent panels 10 and to reduce the rolling resistance of theproduct 90, 92 relative to the panels 10. Another advantage of thepresent invention is the return area or replace stall 110 which isdefined between the first and second stops 30 and 34 and a cradle memberor ear 112 formed on the panel 10. The replace stall 110 is furtherdefined as an area in which a product 90 may be replaced if the consumerdecides not to purchase.

As shown in FIG. 6A, a consumer has already replaced a product 90 whichwas not purchased. The next purchaser interested in the product 90 willthen intuitively remove the product 90 from the replace stall 110 firstas it is most easily removed. If another product 90 is desired, theconsumer will pick the product from the lower extent, or dispensing end,of chute 22 or 24, and the next product in the appropriate chute 22 or24 will index forward accordingly. The distal or dispensing ends ofchutes 22 and 24 are also known as dispensing bays, or together, as aremoval area. Similar to the situation where first stop 30 is locatedtowards the rear of panel 10 in comparison to second stop 34, thedispensing bay associated with the first chute 22 is similarly locatedwith respect to the dispensing bay associated with the second chute 24.Further, in this embodiment, the distance between such dispensing baysis slightly greater than the diameter of a products 90 unit. If thesecond product is then returned to the dispenser display, the replacestall is available for the consumer rather than the tedious anddifficult chore of attempting to retention the product 90 backwards inthe dispenser display while replacing the unwanted product 90. Thisrepresents a significant advantage over the prior art.

Further, although not shown in the FIGS., one embodiment provides anindicator that notifies an observer when the contents of the dispenserdisplay reaches a certain minimum level of products 90. Here, the secondchute 24 is designed such that when such certain minimum level ofproducts 90, for example five, is reached in such chute, that theremaining minimum, or less, products 90, recede from contact with thesecond stop 34. This provides the advantage of notifying an observer ofa low level of stock of product 90 before the product reaches a criticallevel, or runs out completely. The second chute 24 may be designed suchthat any desired minimum number of product 90 can be originally chosenas the amount which will provide the indication to an observer. Further,other embodiments provide the same indicator associated with the firstchute 22, or any corresponding additional chute.

FIGS. 6B-6D show a more detailed depiction of loading magazine 100.First, it should be noted that as shown here, both products 90 and 92are shown as cylindrical articles. Other embodiments use products ofother shapes and sizes, and have outside enclosures with differingcoefficients of friction, where such products have sufficient rolling,sliding or other movement along chutes 22 and 24 so that multi-chutegravity feed dispenser display operates as described herein wheregravity is used to dispense the products to product consumers. Suchother embodiments include, for example, products having a substantiallycylindrical form, and those having multiple outer sides that still allowthe product to rotate as it travels along chutes 22 and 24. The loadingmagazine 100 includes a porous side 132, a non-porous side 134, a topside 136 and a bottom side 138, a product ejection end 140 and a productnon-ejection end 141. In addition, FIG. 6C shows a tear strip 142 on topside 136. Both the porous side 132 and the non-porous side 134 haveloading notches 144 and 146, respectively, at the product ejection end140 of the loading magazine 100. Further, the entire casing which makesup the loading magazine 100 is a paper overwrap 148 with elongated ends150 and 152, where such elongated ends are attached forming a overlapseam 153.

As shown in FIG. 6B, a porous side 132 contains holes 154 which providesaccess to the top of the new products 92 where markings, includingalphanumeric indicia, can be either applied or observed without removingsuch products from the loading magazine 100. The porous side 132 inother embodiments are absent such holes 154. Further, each of the porousside 132, non-porous side 134, top side 136 and bottom side 138, eachhave slit protrusions 156 or apertures that provides room for the newproducts 92 to be received, and each slit protrusion 156 area stretchesor bulges outwardly along the top and bottom sides 136 and 138 such thatsuch new products 92 are statically secured via an enclosing force frommoving along such sides 136 and 138, and as a result, loading magazine100 need not include end members to statically secure the new products92 from exiting from either of its ends. Other embodiments do notinclude slit protrusions 156 about the loading magazine 100. Further,other embodiments also include structures, such as full or partial wallsto achieve the necessary enclosing force, such as walls that cover allor part of both or either the product ejection end 140 and thenon-product ejection end 141. In some embodiments, partial walls arecreated by folds in the overwrap 148, which prevent new products 92 fromexiting the magazine 100 from both its product ejection end 140 and itsnon-product ejection end 141.

As shown in FIG. 6C, a tear strip 142 is located on the top side 136 ofthe loading magazine 100. Here, the tear strip 142 is a perforatedstrip. Other embodiments use other forms of tear strips includingadhesive strips and pull string tear strips, while others use no tearstrip at all. Some embodiments place the tear strip 142 along an overlapseam 153 located on the top side 136, while others locate such tearstrips 142 on other sides of the loading magazine 100, while yet otherslocate the tear strips 142 circumferentially about the periphery of theloading magazine 100. As shown in FIG. 6B, loading notches 144 and 146are provided here to allow the further insertion of the loading magazineinto the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display by allowing theupper extents of two corresponding first rails 26 to slide into suchloading notches 144 and 146. At least one embodiment, which utilizes aloading magazine 100 having a single row of new product 92 therein, maybe advanced down a portion of the length of either chute 22 or 24 suchthat the portion at most reaches or approaches the first curve in suchchutes.

Although the paper overwrap 148 here is made out of paperboard, such asKraft paperboard, generally made from cross-directional fibers providingsome level of expansion and retraction within the paperboard itself, andhaving a caliper range between 0.012 and 0.26 and a weight per 1,000square feet of between 32 and 90 pounds, (for example, a 32, 42 and 68pound Kraft liner), other embodiments have paper overwrap 148 made outof bleached sulfate, while others are made from thermoplastic film. Thestructure that results from the covering of the new product 92 with anoverwrap 148 in addition to being called a loading magazine 100 is alsoreferred to as a tube. Here, the elongated ends 150 and 152 of the paperoverwrap 148 are attached to one another via a glue agent formingoverlap seam 153. Other embodiments form overlap seam 153 by using anattachment agent other than glue. Further, other embodiments, such asthose having a paper overwrap 148, are absent any overlap seam 153 orelongated ends 150 or 152. Yet other embodiments, such as those having atear strip 142, attach elongated ends 150 and 152 together via such tearstrip 142. Although not shown in FIGS. 6B-6D, some embodiments utilizean intermediate wall within loading magazine 100. Such wall is locatedbetween the rows of new product 92, i.e., the row of new product 92adjacent the top side 136 and the row of new product 92 adjacent thebottom side 138.

The loading magazine 100 is designed to secure a set of new product 92such that the set can me easily transported to the location of themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display. The loading magazine 100 isfurther designed to provide a convenient way to load or feed new product92 into the multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display where new product92 is ejected or expelled from the magazine 100 onto one or both of thehighest extents of the first and second rail 26 and 28. As shown in FIG.6A, loading magazine 100 is positioned for loading such that its bottomand top sides 138 and 136 are angled such that gravity provides anurging force against the new product 92 therein towards the productejection end 140. Before the new product 92 can flow however, thesecuring force or pressure about loading magazine 100 must be released,for example, where a perforated tear strip 142 is pulled from the topside 136 fracturing such perforations, or where the product ejection end140 is obscured by a wall, and the wall is removed. In either case theejection end 140 is expanded or otherwise opened. Upon release, the newproduct 92 flows down loading magazine 100 and onto first and/or secondrails 26 and 28. For those embodiments including a middle wall betweenthe upper and lower rows of new product 92, each such row is directedonly to its corresponding second and first rails 28 and 26 respectfully.

As long as the multi-chute gravity dispenser display is not completelyfull, multiple loading magazines may be emptied there in. Where themulti-chute gravity dispenser reaches its full condition before acurrent loading magazine is emptied, such loading magazine 100 is thenpivotally adjusted about its product ejection end 140, where the productnon-ejection end 141 moves lower portion of a panel 10, resulting in theremaining new product resting in the product non-ejection end 141portion of the loading magazine 100.

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay in a collapsed position. The dispenser display shown hereinincludes a plurality of panels 10 which are offset from one anotherconnected by retention pins 60 disposed in the unlocked position. Asshown, the panels 10 have been advanced toward each other in anaccordion-type manner until reaching abutment or contact against oneanother in a compressed position with retention pins 60 extended at anangle away from the horizontal. As a result, the overall width of thedispenser display is only 12.3 inches. It will be recognized by those ofskill in the art that the overall width of any dispenser display isdependent upon the number of panels selected for use. In other words,the more panels used, the wider the overall width and vice versa.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the collapsed dispenser display of FIG. 7.The retention pins 60 are clearly shown in the unlocked position andalso disposed in the rearward bosses 46, 48. The overall depth of thedispenser display in the collapsed position with the retention pins 60disposed in the unlocked position is 21 inches. The overall height ofthe dispenser display in this configuration is 17.8 inches.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of the dispenser display of FIGS. 7 and 8 inan expanded configuration. The overall width of the dispenser display is47.871 inches. It will be recognized by those of skill in the art thatthere is a significant difference between the dimensions of thedispenser display from the collapsed to the expanded configurations. Asa result, there is a significant savings in shipping and storage costsas the dispenser display in the collapsed position is much smaller.After the dispenser display is moved from the collapsed to the expandedposition, the retention pins 60 may be moved to engage the locks 50formed in bosses 42, 44, 46 and 48. The resulting structure is thenrigid and stable for use. Further, because the retention pins 60 arealready in place when the dispenser display is received forinstallation, the steps needed to achieve a rigid structure are reducedto the steps of locking such retention pins 60, and as result, providesbenefits at the assembly end of the process where assembly time andassembly errors are reduced. Although the embodiment shown in suchfigures utilize retention pins 60 and 62 having a particular length,other embodiments use retention pins having different lengths for thepurpose of accommodating products that have a different height, (i.e.,the height of a cylindrical article), than the height described hereinregarding product 90. As such, different embodiments using differentlength retention pins 60 and 62, and that still use the panels 10described herein, are able to accommodate products having differentdimensions.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show retention pin 60 in greater detail. Theretention pin 60, having a U-shape, has a main portion 120 and a pair ofarms 122 disposed in opposition which have been formed normal to themain portion 120. In this embodiment, the arms 122 have a length fromtheir distal end to the center line of the main portion 120 ofapproximately 1.25 inches. The overall width on center from arm-to-armis approximately 3.761 inches. The diameter of the retention pin ispreferably approximately 0.188 inches.

FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C show the structural configuration of mediallydisposed retention pin 62. It will be recognized by those of skill inthe art that medially disposed retention pin 62 is substantially similarto retention pin 60 described in FIGS. 10A-C. The difference between thetwo is that the arms 122 in medially disposed retention pin 62 have alength from their distal end to the center line of the main portion 120of approximately 1.5 inches. Other dimensions remain the same. It willbe recognized by those of skill in the art that any of the dimensions ofthe retention pins may be adjusted to suit different design parameters.The medially disposed retention pin 62 has an increased length over theretention pin 60 so that it may be used in the generally medial positionin connection with boss 52 so that the access door is properlypositioned when clip 76 engages the main portion 120 of mediallydisposed retention pin 62.

FIG. 12 shows a template 600 for the display area available on theaccess door 70. Another advantage of the present invention is thatadditional display space is not required. The access door providessufficient area to advertise the products disposed within themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display. The display area may becovered with a variety of signage including, an adhesive backedmaterial. (preferably using a weak or light adhesive amount), a plasticor paper sheet having tabs to interlink with corresponding slots on theaccess door 70, or other suitable advertising medium.

FIG. 13A shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay in a collapsed configuration disposed within a shipping box 620.

FIG. 13B shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay in a collapsed partially removed from the shipping box 620.

FIG. 13C shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay in a partly expanded configuration as compared to FIGS. 13A and13B. The retention pins 60 are shown in the unlocked position.

FIG. 13D shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay disposed on a conventional shelf 630 in an expandedconfiguration with the retention pins 60 in a locked position. Aconventional shelf 630 having a 48 inch width 632 is also shown. Theoverall width 640 of the expanded multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay is 47.871 inches. Accordingly, the dispenser display is easilydisposed upon the conventional shelf 630.

FIG. 13E shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay of FIG. 13D with the magazine access doors 70 assembled andproduct decals applied, where the access door 70 is disposed in theclosed position. It will also be noted that the depth 650 of themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display is 20 inches which is easilyaccommodated on a conventional shelf 630.

FIG. 14A shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay with an additional display item in the form of a category sign660 connected thereto.

FIG. 14B shows product being loaded into an embodiment of themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display of the present invention. Theaccess door 70 is moved from a closed position to an open position suchthat the magazine 100 may be in communication with the chutes 22 and 24so that the product may be loaded.

FIG. 14C shows an embodiment of the multi-chute gravity feed dispenserdisplay filled with product 90 and ready for retail. The replaced stall110 in each module has product disposed therein for maximum initialdensity.

FIG. 15 shows a plurality of multi-chute gravity feed dispenser displaysdisposed on a number of adjacently disposed conventional shelves 630.

FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 show a different embodiment of the main element ofthe multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display, (FIGS. 1 and 2 showanother such embodiment), where a panel 210 represents a verticalupright panel designed to be remotely mated with other like panels 210.Further, the panel 210 is shown to be supporting a full load of product92. The panel 210 includes at least one set of rails 220 which areformed as ribs extending normal to a side 212 of the panel 210 tocooperatively define a plurality of chutes 222, 224 for product whichhave a boustrophedonic or C-shaped configuration.

A first rail 226 is disposed in the generally medial portion of the side212 inclined to the horizontal, angled generally downwardly, and havinga linear configuration. The second rail 228 is disposed about the firstrail 226 and has a curvilinear configuration which is substantiallyC-shaped. The first and second rails 226 and 228 each having a minimumincline to the horizontal such that product is capable of continuousmovement along such rails in response to a normal gravitational force,and where as shown in FIG. 16., can be a substantially slight angle. Afirst product travel stop or stop 230 is formed at a lowest extent ofthe second rail 228 as an enlarged portion thereof. The first stop 230engages the product to prevent unwanted further movement down chute 222and positions the product for viewing and selection by a customer.

A third rail 232 has a curvilinear configuration which is substantiallyL-shaped and has a second stop 234, formed as an enlarged portionthereof at a lower end adjacent first stop 230, and prevents furtherdownward motion down chute 224. In addition, a return area or replacestall 310, defined between the first and second stops 230 and 234 and acradle member or ear 312 formed on the panel 210, can be used as an areain which a product 90 may be replaced after being initially removed by acustomer.

Here, unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an additional topmember 233 is used to provide a top for a portion of chute 224 and whichalso provides additional structural rigidity to the top portion of panel210. For structural rigidity and to provide visibility to the productpositioned on first and second rails 226 and 228, cut out portions 218or holes are formed along on panel 210 along the chutes 222 and 224. Thecut out portions 218 also allow one to determine the quantity andcontents of such chutes thus facilitating inventory control of theproducts stored therein.

At least one set of positioning elements 236 are formed on the side 212as raised protrusions having a height normal to the side 212 less thanthe rails 226, 228 and 232. Each positioning element 238, 240 has acurvilinear configuration which is substantially C-shaped. The firstpositioning element 238 is disposed between the first and second rails226, 228. The second positioning element 240 is disposed between thesecond and third rails 228, 232, for a bottom portion of chute 224, aswell as between second rail 228 and top member 233, for a top portion ofchute 224.

A plurality of bosses 242, 244, 246 and 248 are formed at each corner ofthe panel 210, and when used, provide greater rigidity to themulti-chute gravity feed dispenser display. Each has at least oneaperture or bore 249 defined therein and a lock 250 associated with eachbore 249. The lock mechanism or lock 250 is defined in the boss 242,244, 246, 248 where a portion of an outer wall of the boss 242, 244,246, 248 is removed to form a receptacle. Additional bosses 252 and 253are also included where boss 252 is formed in a generally medialposition adjacent an end of the first rail 226 and where boss 253 isgenerally located near a lower position on panel 210 near the lowerextent of second rail 228. At least one bore 249 is defined in bothadditional bosses 252 and 253. However, such two bosses do not include alock. Although not shown, an additional retention pin engages the bore249 defined in the boss 253.

An aperture 254 is formed in the panel 210 disposed between the secondpositioning element 240 and an upper boss 244 for positioning an accessdoor. A plurality of feet 256 are formed on the side 212 and extend fromthe third rail 232 to the lower portion edge of the panel 210 in orderto provide stability to the panel 210. Each foot 256 extends normal tothe side 212 in the same manner as the rails 226, 228 and 232 to thesame extent. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, here anadditional stability arm 257 is included for additional structuralstability.

As best shown in FIGS. 16 and 18, a blade sign base member 270 islocated longitudinally along the upper portion of the panel 210 andextending from a location adjacent to the bottom of upper boss 244 to alocation at or adjacent to first rail 226. The blade sign base member270 has offset grooves 272 for mating with a blade sign display memberdiscussed in greater detail below. The blade sign base member 270 islocated in parallel along a substantial portion of its length and havinga beginning location 274 at the top 276 of the blade sign base member270 and ending at an ending location 278 near the bottom 280 of theblade sign base member 270.

Next, FIGS. 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23 show a blade sign display member 400designed to attach to the blade sign base member 270 of panel 210. Theblade sign display member 400 has a clamp section 402, a face section404 and an outer lip 406. Further, clamp section 402 has a cavity 408therein. Inside the cavity 408 there are opposing offset ribs or tongues410 and 412 for mating with the grooves 272 of the blades sign basemember 270. The attaching of the blade sign display member 400 to bladesign base member 270 can be achieved in a number of ways.

For example, by aligning the blade sign display member 400 above thesign base member 270 in a linear manner such that the grooves 272 of theblades sign base member 270 are lined up with the tongues 410 and 412,once so aligned, a downward force is then applied on the display member400 such that the tongues 410 and 412 slide within the grooves 272 untilthe top of the display member 400 is near the top of blades sign basemember 270. Another example is to line up the opening of cavity 408 ofblade sign display member 400 along the front edge of blades sign basemember 270 such that the top of both the blade sign display member 270and the display member 400 are located proximate to one another, andsuch that the cavity 408 is located along the same direction that bladessign base member 270 protrudes from panel 210, and whereupon force isapplied down the length of blade sign display member 400 towards itsclamp section 402 such that the front of the cavity 408 is forced opento allow the entry of the front edge of the blade sign display member270 and where force is continually applied until the tongues 410 and 412snap into engagement with grooves 272.

Further, the face section 404, one on each side of the blade signdisplay member 400, can contain signage indicating the products orcategory of products stored in the associated multi-chute gravity feeddispenser display. The signage can be any of a number of advertisingmediums such as an adhesive backed material, a plastic, paper orcardboard sheet having tabs that interlock with corresponding apertureson the blade sign display member 400.

Next, FIGS. 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D and 24E show various different views ofthe access door 570. The access door 570 includes a front face 572, arear face 573, a handle 574, a clips 576A and 576B, a pair of resilientarms 578 and a pair of alignment arms 580. The front face 572 isconfigured as slightly curved to present a pleasing appearance andincreased surface area for advertising display purposes. The handle 574is disposed at the top of the access door 570 opposite and enables auser to easily move the access door from a closed position to an openposition. Preferably, the access door 570 is moved from a generallyvertical orientation in the closed position to a orientation in the openposition which is at least horizontal and preferably several degreespast horizontal. Other embodiments allow for the complete or partialremoval of access door 570. The resilient arms 578 include an enlargednub 582 which engages the aperture formed in the side 212. The nub 582provides a secondary connection for the access door to the panel 210.The clip clips 576A and 576B are the primary connection to the adjacentpanels 210. The clips 576A and 576B engage medially disposed retentionpin 62 and move relative thereto. Alignment arms 580 engage adjacentpanels 210 when necessary in order to maintain the access door properlydisposed between adjacent panels 210.

In addition to providing the functionality and the advantages describedabove, the loading magazine 100 has the additional advantages associatedwith its use with standard shelving, and other display structuresgenerally known to be used to display products 90, that do not otherwiserepresent a multi-chute gravity feed dispenser display. Regardless ofthe type of display structure used to display the products 90, themagazine 100 provides the same secure and easy transportation to thelocation at which the new products 92 will be displayed as describedabove. In addition, and in a similar fashion to that described above,the loading magazine 100 provides a convenient and easy way of expellingthe contents of a loaded magazine 100 onto a variety of displaystructures.

Although new product display designs, such as standard gravity fedshelving for example, have provided advances in the area displaystocking, many stocking procedures still populate display structures inthe same manner that occurred decades ago, i.e., by the placement of newproducts 92 on such display structures on a unit by unit, or product byproduct, or can by can basis. However, now with the loading magazine 100of FIG. 6A, display structures can be instantly loaded with a loadingmagazine 100 of new products 92, greatly reducing the time and effortassociated with the unit by unit shelf populating techniques. Forexample, in the case of standard shelving, where products are generallyplaced next to one another in a vertical position, e.g., wherecylindrical articles are rested on an end, the loading magazine 100 maypositioned on a portion of the standard shelf with the non-porous side134 resting thereon and then the tear strip 142 may then be partially orfully removed, removing or reducing the securing force or pressure aboutloading magazine 100 about new product 90, and one may use their hand orother object to push, or hold in place, the new goods 92 within theloading magazine 100, while with their other hand, pulling or graspingthe paper overwrap 148 such that the new products 92 populate thestandard shelf as an organized group of new products 92 arranged in acolumn and row format. Other embodiments do not include the maintainingof the organized nature in row and column format as the new product 92populate the standard shelf, as such embodiments rely more heavily onthe advantage of the loading of a group of new products 92 at one time,over the prior art method of stocking such shelving on a unit by unitbasis.

Although many of the embodiments described above are limited to the useof two chutes 22 and 24, other embodiments contain the use one, three ormore chutes.

With reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, there is disclosed an alternativeembodiment differs from that of FIGS. 1 and 3A primarily in that theupper loading (and lower dispensing) chute 724 includes a double turndrop region 727 between the upper and lower portion of the chute 724.The embodiment of FIGS. 25 and 26 also include an upper flange 733 toimpart greater rigidity to the panel 710. In certain overall sizecircumstances, for example, deep shelving situations, it has beendetermined that such chute configuration accommodates a greater numberof products. It also enables a reduction of the drop velocity of itemstransitioning from the upper portion of this chute 724 to the lowerportion thereof.

FIG. 7 illustrates a modified door 772 for enabling a tiltingorientation thereof to improve visibility of any graphics affixed to thedoor 772 when the display is disposed on a top shelf. To this end, theresilient arms 778 include a plurality of offset nubs 782.

With reference to FIGS. 28-32, a further embodiment is illustratedwherein the display panels 810 include rail sets 826, 828. As will asdiscussed, the incorporation of rail sets 826, 828 enables the display810 to accommodate cylindrical items of differing heights and diameterswithout requiring any change in lateral spacing between adjacent panels810.

With reference to FIG. 32, a fragmentary view, which illustrates railsets 828 of adjacent panels 810, each set 828 includes a first or upperrail 828A and a second or lower rail 828B, the first and second rails828A and 828B being vertically offset in spaced relation. With thisconfiguration of rails, a cylindrical item 850 having a height H1 willengage the upper rails 828A of rail sets 828 of adjacent of the displaypanels 810 while cylindrical items 852 having a height H2 that is lessthan H1 engage the lower rails 828B of rail sets 828.

It will be appreciated that The free edge of the first or upper rails828A serve the same function for cylindrical items 852 as thepositioning elements 840 do for cylindrical items 850.

In one specific embodiment the panels are made of high impactpolystyrene. The vertical panel walls 854 each have a thickness of 0.130inch, have a height of 15.75 inches and a depth of 20 inches. The firstor upper rail 828A has a total width (free end to free end) of 0.680inch so that it projects 0.275 inch and has a rail chute width of 0.275inch. The total width (free end to free end) of the second or lower rail828B is 2.125 inches so that it projects about 1.0 inch and has a railchute width of 1.0 inch. The free space between the first rail 828A andsecond rail 828B is 0.125 inch. The free space between adjacent of thedisplay panels 810 is 5.031 inches. This specific embodiment is capableof storing and dispensing cylindrical items having heights ranging fromabout 5 inches to about 4.2 inches such that the same display modulescan accommodate cans, for example, soup cans of diverse manufacturers,or the same manufacturer, having different heights. In this regard thereare currently popular ready to serve soup cans having heights of 4.98inches, 4.42 inches and 4.395 inches. Retailers, thus, are able torestock the modules with different products depending on salespromotions and other factors.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, an important feature ofthe modular display is that the loading door can serves as anadvertising material mount or as a label holder for product labeling. Incertain instances wherein smaller items are to be stored and dispensedthereby requiring that the display panels be relatively closely spaced,a single loading door may be used for adjacent modules so that largergraphics may be affixed thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dispenser and display rack system for storing and displaying products on store shelving, said system comprising at least three panels having an operative orientation wherein said panels are disposed in spaced-apart side-by-side relation constituting an operative orientation and wherein adjacent ones of said panels constitute panel pairs, means affixed to said panels forming at least one product chute disposed between each of said panel pairs, each said chute and having a loading end, a dispensing end and an elongated product travel path descending at least substantially full length from said loading end to said dispensing end, a plurality of retention pins connecting said panels, there being at least some of said pins connecting said panel pairs in a first manner to permit shifting thereof between a collapsed condition and said operative orientation and in a second manner to lock said panels in said operative orientation.
 2. A system in accordance with claim 1 and further including at least one product label holder moveable from a closed position in access closing relation to at least one said loading end to a removed position in access opening relation therewith.
 3. A system in accordance with claim 1, the chute forming means comprising rails forming a plurality of chutes between each of said panel pairs.
 4. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said panel pairs has an open front region, said open front region having an upper section and a lower section.
 5. A system in accordance with claim 4, there being first and second product chutes between each of said panel pairs, the loading end of the first of said chutes being located at the upper section thereof and disposed above the loading end of the second of said chutes, the discharge end of the first of said chutes being located at the lower section thereof and disposed below the discharge end of the second of said chutes.
 6. A system in accordance with claim 4, said door means being sized to simultaneously open and close access to the loading end of each of said chutes.
 7. A system in accordance with claim 5, wherein each of said chutes has a discharge end and wherein each of said panel pairs further includes product travel stops proximal the discharge end of each of said chutes.
 8. A system in accordance with claim 6, wherein said product stops are offset from each other with respect to the horizontal a sufficient distance to permit placement of a product atop and between adjacent products disposed at the discharge end of the first of said chutes.
 9. A system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the discharge end of the second of said chutes is disposed slightly above the discharge end of the first of said chutes and products therein.
 10. A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said travel path includes multiple direction reversing bend regions.
 11. A system in accordance with claim 1, the chute forming means comprising rails affixed to each of said panels, said rails of each of said panels including at least one rail set, said set including a first rail having a first width and a second rail having a second width spaced from and disposed below said first rail, said second width being greater than said first width.
 12. A gravity feed rack in accordance with claim 11, wherein said first width is about 0.275 inch and said second width is about 1.0 inch. 13 A gravity rack in accordance with claim 11, wherein said first rail is spaced about 0.125 inch above said second rail.
 14. A gravity feed rack in accordance with claim 11, wherein said panels comprise high impact polystyrene having a thickness of about 0.130 inch.
 15. A gravity feed rack in accordance with claim 11, wherein the panels of each panel pair are spaced about 5.181 inches apart.
 16. A gravity feed rack comprising a pair of panels disposed in spaced apart side-by-side relation, each one of said panels having rails projecting therefrom toward the other of said panels to jointly define at least one travel path, said rails of each of said panels including at least one rail set, said set including a first rail and a second rail spaced from and disposed below said first rail, said second rail projecting further toward said other of said panels than said first rail.
 17. A gravity feed rack in accordance with claim 16, wherein said first rail projects about 0.275 inch and said second rail projects about 1.0 inch.
 18. A gravity rack in accordance with claim 16, wherein said first rail is spaced about 0.125 inch above said second rail.
 19. A gravity feed rack in accordance with claim 16, wherein said panels comprise high impact polystyrene having a thickness of about 0.130 inch.
 20. A gravity feed rack in accordance with claim 16, wherein said panels are spaced about 5.181 inches apart. 